New York okays Audi’s autonomous car testing license

Audi of America disclosed that New York has approved its application, making it the first automaker to conduct autonomous vehicle testing in this same state. The brand added that both the demonstration and the testing will be done with Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Level 3 automation. In addition, Audi also said that the first demonstration will be done in Albany by mid-June.

To be considered as SAE Level 3, the vehicle should be able to perform automated driving at given highway speeds especially when certain conditions are attained. For the New York demonstration, there will be two trained engineers inside the vehicle, with one sitting in the front seat and the other positioned in the back. According to Audi, the demonstration model itself has managed to safely record around thousands of miles running on limited access highways across the country.

It was in early May of this year when none other than Governor Andrew Cuomo declared that New York was already accepting applications from different companies who wanted to demonstrate the test autonomous cars on public roads.

Audi of America President Scott Keogh revealed that the brand has long been in the lead when it came to developing piloted driving technology. In fact, he added, the brand has been doing this for at least 10 years now. He continued by saying that in relation to their goal of having safer roads, conducting tests in a real-world setting is an important first step. Keogh said further that the brand supports Governor Cuomo not only for his leadership but also in how he is more than ready to help in defining how the future of the state will be, not just now but for the years to follow.

Governor Cuomo meanwhile shared that New York State has long been the leader when it comes to advanced highway safety programs. He revealed as well that the state is aware of the possibilities that autonomous vehicles offer especially as it relates to saving lives on the road. The demonstration is made possible as new legislation has been included in the State’s budget for the fiscal year 2018 for testing autonomous technology under a year-long pilot program.

The vehicle routing information presented by Audi for the demonstration to be conducted has already been pre-approved by the New York State Police. Further, the Albany demonstration and its application were also approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. What comes next will be the State Police reviewing the proposed route and determining if any supervision will be needed for the scheduled demonstration.

It was just in January 2017 when Audi first unveiled the deep learning Q7 autonomous concept during the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas. During this event, the Q7 managed to drive itself through specific areas without the need for any human input. This model was an excellent way of showing just how far the brand has progressed when it comes to developing autonomous technologies.

Press Release

Audi first to be awarded New York automated vehicle testing license

New York has approved Audi of America's application to be the first company authorized to perform autonomous vehicle testing in the state.

Audi intends to demonstrate and test vehicles in New York with Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Level 3 automation. It will conduct the first autonomous vehicle demonstration in state history, beginning in Albany, near the state capitol, in mid-June.

SAE’s Level 3 means a vehicle is capable of automated driving at posted highway speeds when specific conditions are met. In New York, two trained engineers will be in the vehicle to monitor the system and ensure safety, one in the front seat and one in the back. Audi’s demonstration vehicle has already safely logged thousands of miles on limited access highways across the U.S.

Earlier this month, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York was accepting applications from companies interested in testing or demonstrating autonomous vehicles on public roads.

“We have been leading the way in the development of piloted driving technology for more than a decade now, and testing in real-world environments is a key step in our pursuit of safer roads,’’ said Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America. “We applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership and stand ready to assist in defining how this future will unfold in the Empire State now and for years to come.”

New legislation included in New York’s FY 2018 budget allows for testing autonomous technology through a year-long pilot program. Audi’s vehicle routing information for the Albany demonstration has been pre-approved by the New York State Police and its application was approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. State Police review the route to be taken, and are required to supervise the demonstration.

“New York State is a nationwide leader in innovative highway safety programs and the potential for autonomous vehicles to save lives on our roadways is immeasurable,” Governor Cuomo said.